An all-female group of senior leaders, engineers, geoscientists and offshore supervisors and technicians recently joined together in a visit to the Mariner field to mark International Women’s Day.
Representatives from Equinor, Aker, Oil and Gas U.K. were flown offshore by an all-female CHC crew to highlight the opportunities that exist for women in oil and gas roles and the need for more balance in the gender diversity of the industry.
“I’m a strong believer that diversity makes better business,” said Hedda Felin, senior vice president for Equinor’s U.K. and Ireland offshore business. “Our industry is changing and the challenges we face require new ideas and different ways of working. Diversity brings different perspectives to dilemmas and decisions. Women are still in the minority in this industry but I hope that through opportunities like this we can visibly demonstrate the important role women have to play in the future of energy.”
Once on board Equinor’s platform, the group met with representatives from the offshore team to share their personal experience of working in the industry and the challenges and opportunities around diversity.
“We still see too few young women considering a career in aviation, either through pilot or engineer training,” said CHC Captain Zoe Champion. “I hope events like this will show the many different career opportunities open to everyone today. I’m proud that CHC is focused on improving gender diversity in a traditionally male dominated industry.”
“This trip underlines the power of visible role models,” said Katy Heidenriech, OGUK’s operations optimization manager. “If even one girl sees this picture and believes this industry is for her then we’ve made an impact. Gender diversity, and diversity in a broader sense, is about ensuring equality of opportunity. Provided you are willing to work hard and keen to learn, the offshore oil and gas industry offers valuable and rewarding careers.”
A film of the offshore visit marking International Women’s Day is available here.
